River Dogs off to strong start
Kyle Wilmont awaits a pitch against the Hornets Thursday night. Wilmont went 2 for 2 with an RBI in the River Dogs' 11-2 win over the Hornets.<br>Pam Robel/Columbia Basin Herald
River Dogs take it in four and a half in first game of state open
EPHRATA — The River Dogs faced the Hornets in the first game of the Washington State Open in Ephrata Thursday night and defeated them 11-2.
The River Dogs took over the game in a heated fourth inning.
"Baseball is a game of opportunity. You need to put the nail in the coffin when you can," said coach Randy Boruff.
Edward Rodriguez doubled to the center field wall to lead off the inning and was driven to third on a single from Brad Tracy.
Severo Rodriguez came to the plate with two men on and no outs. During his at bat, Edward Rodriguez crossed the dish on a defensive error. Rodriguez would fly out after taking a shot in the knee.
Kyle Wilmont stepped up to the plate with a courtesy runner on for Tracy. Wilmont hit a fly ball into the glove of the Hornets' center fielder but was able to get his man across the plate for another run.
Michael Taylor was hit by a pitch and then driven to third on a double from Aaron Key. Hawkins Gabbers hit a double to bring Taylor in.
Chad Hunter was walked before Sonny Garza headed to the plate. Garza hit a drive single that brought two runners home.
Edward Rodriguez had the last hit of the game in the bottom of the fourth. Rodriguez hit a line drive homerun that brought Hunter and Garza in before Rodriguez made his mark on the plate.
In all, the River Dogs scored eight runs in the bottom of the fourth to make the final score 11-2.
A solo homer by Key in the first inning started off the scoring for the River Dogs.
Tracy had a solo homer in the second inning to make the score 2-1.
The only other score in the game came on a double from Gabbers in the bottom of the third.
"That was the hardest we've hit all year," said Boruff.
Derek Shoemaker pitched all five innings and was credited with the win.
Key hit 2 for 3 with a homer and a double, Gabbers was 3 for 3 with two doubles and two RBIs, Garza went 3 for 3 with two RBIs, Edward Rodriguez hit 3 for 3 with a double, a homerun and three RBIs and Tracy was 2 for 3 with a homerun.
Chad Hunter will start on the mound for the River Dogs today.